There are two people who know all the secrets of Hotel Tritone’s wine list: they are the sommeliers. The first, Mirco, has already told us about his “empathetic sense of taste”. In this interview, we meet the second sommelier: Paolo. He likewise has a marked ability to understand his guest’s wishes, and a strong sense of determination and curiosity.

PAOLO, INTRODUCE YOURSELF TO THOSE WHO DO NOT KNOW YOU

My name is Paolo, I am 60 years old and I come from Albignasego, in the province of Padua.

CAN YOU TELL US YOUR STORY?

The labour crisis, about ten years ago, also affected me. I had to retrain at the age of 50 and so I dusted off my old waiter skills and… here I am. I started as a waiter and then became a sommelier. I accepted the challenge and studied from scratch. I undertook the entire course of the Italian Sommelier Association, passing all 3 levels.

Today, I also have skills in business consultancy, cellar and service management, and customer service. I continuously update my skills through various online platforms, specialised magazines and annual wine guides to discover new fashions and trends.

WHAT IS YOUR ROLE?

I am the second sommelier.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING AT HOTEL TRITONE?

I have been here for seven years.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR WORK?

The opportunity to put the skills I have learned to good use, and, at the same time, to learn something new every day. This motivates me to overcome fatigue and feel fulfilled.

AMONG YOUR TASKS AND ACTIVITIES, WHAT MAKES THE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE SPECIAL?

We derive our satisfaction from understanding and interpreting our customers’ needs and meeting their expectations when they ask for a wine recommendation. So a simple “Thank you for the advice” is the best recognition.

IF YOU HAD TO DESCRIBE HOTEL TRITONE IN ONE WORD, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Tritone is a qualifying environment, one you simply must experience!

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?

I manage a football club, both the amateur and youth divisions.

IF YOU WERE A GUEST AT HOTEL TRITONE ONE DAY, WHICH SERVICE/TREATMENT WOULD YOU TRY FIRST?

I would try the massage centre and especially the mud therapy.

To book your next stay at Hotel Tritone, you can write to us here or call (+39) 049 8668099